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Friday, November 11, 2011

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Two prized prospects from the greater Philadelphia area have inked national letters of intent to attend Villanova and join the men’s basketball program.

Guard Ryan Arcidiacono of Neshaminy High School and forward Daniel Ochefu of the Westtown School are set to become Wildcats in 2012.

Arcidiacono is a 6-fot-3 guard who averaged 20 ppg as a junior in 2010-11 and enters his senior season in 2011-12. His father, Joe, is a former Villanova football player and team captain (1976-80). Ryan Arcidiacono is listed at No. 34 in the class of 2012 by ESPNU.

“To add Ryan to our basketball family is truly a great Villanova story,” stated head coach Jay Wright. “This is a young man who has a unique appreciation for what our university offers. His parents, Joe and Patti, have stayed connected to their alma mater and it’s thrilling to bring in the next generation to our campus.

“On the floor, Ryan is a complete player who has been well schooled by his coach, Jerry Devine. His court sense, vision and uncanny shooting eye give him the opportunity to become the next great Villanova guard. Ryan is committed to becoming the best player he can be and our staff cannot wait to begin working with him when he enrolls at Villanova.”

Ochefu is a 6-foot-10 forward who, as a junior in 2010-11, averaged 16 points and 12 rebounds per game while establishing himself as one of the elite big men in the class of 2012. He is listed as the No. 29 prospect in the class of 2012 by rivals.com.

“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel to Villanova,” stated Wright. “Daniel is a very well-rounded young man who is determined to excel in the classroom and on the basketball court. He has a knack for shot-blocking and rebounding that will be a great asset to our team and is a skilled offensive threat. His coach, Seth Berger, has prepared him well and our staff is looking forward to helping Daniel reach his potential.”